Paul John upbeat despite Pontypridd loss in Dublin

PONTYPRIDD coach Paul John hailed his side despite slipping to a British and Irish Cup defeat against Leinster A in Dublin.

PONTYPRIDD coach Paul John hailed his side despite slipping to a British and Irish Cup defeat against Leinster A in Dublin.

Ponty suffered their first loss in this tournament this season as Leinster A took control of the pool with victory at Donnybrook.

Two tries from Leinster centre Brendan Macken proved the difference between the two sides while outside-half Noel Reid sealed the victory with 11 points.

Outside-half Dai Flanagan kicked three penalties for the Welsh club champions in response but plucky Pontypridd deserved more following a rousing second-half performance.

“I was pleased with the boys effort and the manner in which we played and we created some try scoring opportunities,” said John.

“Hopefully we can learn to be more clinical in the future.

“We had four chances but they did not stick and it was a shame we did not finish that off.

“Leinster A had two opportunities and scored them both and that was the difference.

“They showed a bit of control and they went ahead and we were always chasing the game.”

Pontypridd’s British and Irish fate is no longer in their hands with Leinster topping the group. The Sardis Road side have to defeat Jersey next week and hope Leeds can beat the Irish province.

“Other results have to go our way and we will do our best to do our part against Jersey next weekend and we need Leeds to beat Leinster,” added John.

“It is not in our hands but we will do all we can.”

This might have only been the warm-up match as far as Leinster were concerned to their Heineken Cup match clash against the Scarlets just down the road at the RDS Showground.

But this was very much the main event for the traditional loyal band of Ponty supporters with up to 800 fans making the trip across the Irish Sea to cheer on their heroes.

John hailed the travelling support synonymous with Pontypridd.

“The backing has been excellent again,” said John.

“I was sitting in the stand with Dale McIntosh and we were talking about the level of support and the fact it never ceases to amaze us.

“We were disappointed we lost the game but the guys cheered us off the pitch and we are humbled they will come all this way and support us.

“It is brilliant for the players and this is a special place.

“This competition has been excellent for us and we have loved to have the chance to play against professional teams.

“The supporters have loved it as well because they have the chance to come away on these trips.”

John is hoping the weekend’s performance can help inspire Pontypridd to defend their Principality Welsh Premiership title and focus on their crucial Swalec Cup tie against Llanelli at the end of the month.

“We have still got a lot left to play for this season and we hope to take the intensity we played this match into the games in Wales,” said John.

“We will be a very difficult team to play against then and we need to learn from these experiences.”

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